The Pinnacles Desert - Nambung, Western Australia

Dylan

Such a cool place to visit! We came here just a few hours before the sunset and the views were so spectacular to observe. Road paths were clear and easy to follow within the Desert so that was great.

Jenna J.

The Pinnacles Desert is one of the most magical places I have ever been to. I don’t know how anyone can say “it’s just rocks”. I could spend my entire day there and not be bored. There is just something so peaceful about this place.
You can basically wander wherever you like, which was surprising. I thought for sure we would be confined to only a small area.
There were lots of kangaroos around, and they are always fun to watch (at least in my Canadian mind).
The sunset was stunning and the stargazing was… well, out of this world is quite an accurate phrase.
Please go see The Pinnacles, but also remember that this is a sacred place to the Yued people so treat it with respect while you are there.

Marsha R.

This is a bucket-list item for sure, and if it’s not on yours, re-think. There’s simply nothing like it that is as otherworldly and beautiful and easy to get to.

Fantastic spires of limestone, each unique, march across this desert sand like petrified soldiers heading to the coast.

Sure, the scientific explanation is that they are stacks of solidified shells created some 20 to 30 thousand years ago when the area was covered by water. But if you can set that aside and look with imagination, you’ll see all kinds of cool things.

There is a 4.5 km loop road with pullout points in addition to walking trails. We had intended to drive the loop as well as do parts by walking, but as we entered, the attendant told us we couldn’t take our SUV on the road because it requires 4WD. Bummer. This is a recent requirement due to some big potholes caused by weather events. I hope they fix the road quickly so that the sights are accessible for visitors who aren’t able to walk on the trails.

So we parked and took off. And wow, it was awesome. We quickly realized that it’s easy to lose the path, but that’s ok. As long as you keep your bearings by noting where the road is, you are free to wander among the pinnacles at will. But watch your step, as Western Rattlesnakes inhabit the national park.

Do be very careful overall. A sign warns us not to climb on the pinnacles, because they are fragile and top heavy and can break and/or fall. If you are going to walk, get there EARLY and take enough water, because it gets crazy hot. We got there about 8:30 and spent about two hours total, as we had to travel further north. I would love to come at sunset, but it wasn’t possible for us.

We spotted an emu wandering through the pinnacles. You might also see kangaroos, possums, skinks, and lots of sorts of birds.

One of the signs tells the wonderful Dreamtime story told by the Noongar people, the traditional owners, about the origin of the spires.

There are restrooms at the excellent Visitors Center and a particularly nice gift shop. For the best photos, come in the early morning or late afternoon, when the low angle of the sun creates long shadows and brings the colors to life.

Noel M.

This place is amazing! Well worth the two hour drive north of Perth. We were there middle of the day and the lighting isn't as good then as in the golden hours around sunrise and sunset. But I still just stood at the entrance and went, WOW!

Sharon N.

Far from Perth city, need 2.5 Hours of drive. But it is very special. Once in a lifetime, we can see the special desert. There Is Pinnacles observatory centre there. The view of the Pinnacles is really amazing, you don't get to see it easily in town. It is very magical.

Nur A.

Came in at about 4pm to wait for the sunset. Only 4WD can drive through the desert hence we walked through the pinnacles. It was still a nice experience and the stargazing is amazing.

Bring a torch (or phone torch) to find your way to and around the pinnacles at night. It is pitch dark but worth it.

Justin Y.

We managed to squeeze this in at night after dinner. Easy drive in, and stopped for some photos. Beautiful view of the milky way. Bring a jacket, can get quite chilly at night.

rajat K.

A place that feels like it’s straight out of another planet, the Pinnacles Desert is a must-visit. Towering limestone formations rise mysteriously from golden sands, creating a surreal and almost dreamlike landscape that’s unlike anything else in Australia. We visited in the late afternoon when the lighting adds depth and shadow to the formations—perfect for photography, Sunset is particularly magical, with the warm hues of the desert glowing under the fading sky. but also you can visit in early morning There’s a well-maintained walking trail and a driving loop, so it’s accessible whether you want to stroll among the pinnacles or take it all in from the comfort of your car. Overall, it's a peaceful, awe-inspiring place with a spiritual kind of silence. Highly recommended for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to see something truly unique.